Minimal Wave Records

We’re honored to announce an exquisite double LP release by obscure Japanese artist Tomo Akikawabaya. As long time admirers of Akikawabaya’s 1980s releases on his own label Castle Records, we had attempted to reach him for many years without any luck. Finally at some point in 2014, a conversation was struck and one thing lead to the next. It was through Nao Katafuchi that we finally made contact with the legend himself, and began speaking about the proposed release idea. It turned out that the admiration was mutual, which was surprising as we thought Akikawabaya had disappeared completely. After working through the track selection and artwork ideas, we came up with the release plan. We’re very excited to present this double LP entitled The Invitation of The Dead. The collection of songs include the entirety of both The Castle (1984) and Anju (1985) releases, all newly remastered. They sound fresher and stronger than ever before, exactly as the artist had intended them to sound when he recorded them 30 years ago. The songs that span this double LP are personal and unique; they are dark synthpop gems. The artist still remains a mystery, as does his relationship to the model Rena Anju featured on this and all but one of his album covers (Kojiki to Onna). The Invitation of The Dead double LP is a limited edition of 999 copies. The first 300 copies will be pressed on 160 gram black vinyl with white haze for the A/B sides and white vinyl with black haze for the C/D sides, and the remainder will be pressed on 160 gram black vinyl for the A/B sides and white vinyl for the C/D sides. The double LP will be presented in a gatefold sleeve designed by Peter Miles featuring cover photo by Alao Yokogi. The release will be available in late September. Additional details and pre-order information (when available) will be posted here.